Summary
- In Las Vegas, there are several free activities to enjoy, such as taking a photo with the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign and watching the Bellagio Fountain Show.
- The Silverton Casino offers a free aquarium with mermaid swims happening from Thursday to Sunday, providing an interactive experience for visitors.
- By walking along the Las Vegas Strip, visitors can capture Instagram-worthy photos and see famous attractions like the High Roller wheel at The LINQ, which offers stunning views of the city.
Looking to explore Sin City on a budget? Known for its world-class casinos and many entertainment options that locals and visitors can explore, Las Vegas is one of the best cities to visit in the US for those looking to unleash fun and adventure. But with its high-end attractions, Las Vegas barely makes it to the list of affordable vacation spots. Finding a cheap buffet or casinos with free parking is nearly impossible, and resorts and hotels are more expensive than ever. However, one can still visit the city on a budget.
Las Vegas offers various things visitors can do for free. This means travelers can enjoy many cool things without opening their wallets. Those visiting on a budget may also want to save on accommodation by visiting Sin City for just one day. Here are free things one can do in Las Vegas in one day.
10 Take A Photo With The Iconic "Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas" Sign
Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a beautiful city dotted with plenty of photogenic spots. The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is a great starting point for those looking to update their Instagram. Visitors can park right next to the iconic landmark and take photos for memories. Get those smiles and funny Las Vegas sign poses ready!
- Time: 24 hours
- Location: South of Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip
9 See Mythical Mermaids At Silverton Aquarium
The cozy Silverton Casino is home to one of the best free aquariums in Las Vegas. It is a 117,000-gallon aquarium loaded with thousands of tropical fish as well as sharks and stingrays.
However, people flock to the site to interact with mermaids. Mermaid swims happen from Thursday to Sunday.
- Address: 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas, NV 89139
- Mermaid Swims: Thursday 12 pm - 1:15 pm, Friday 2 pm - 3:15 pm, Saturday 5 pm - 8:15 pm, and Sunday 10:30 am -12:45 pm, 2 pm - 3:15 pm and 5 pm- 6:45 pm
8 Walk Along The Las Vegas Strip
Photo by Julian Paefgen on Unsplash
Walking the Strip is the first thing everyone will want to do when visiting Las Vegas. It is a more than 4-mile stretch through casinos, high-end hotels, well-appointed gift shops, and everything one would expect in Las Vegas.
There are plenty of stunning backdrops for snapping Pinterest-worthy photos. Don't miss the High Roller wheel at The LINQ, one of the best places to see fireworks in Las Vegas. One can buy a ticket to enjoy a half-hour spin on the High Roller for the best views of the Strip.
- Length: 4.2 miles
- Location: Between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road
Be aware that along the Vegas strip are many adults-only sites. Consider exploring with the family during the day or skipping this excursion entirely.
7 Attend The Bellagio Fountain Show
Bellagio is one of the most iconic and famous hotels in Las Vegas that lives up to the hype. Visitors flock in front of the hotel every evening to catch the spectacular water and music show — Bellagio Fountain Show.
More than 1,200 water jets shoot hundreds of feet into the air and sway gracefully to the playing music. The colorful show at the Paris casino also happens at the same time as the Bellagio fountain show, creating a show like no other.
- Show Duration: 30 minutes in the afternoon and 15 minutes at night
The show could be canceled at any time if there are high winds.
6 Marvel At Bellagio Conservatory And Botanical Gardens
In the grandest Bellagio Hotel, visitors will find one of the most photographed spots in Las Vegas, the conservatory gardens. It is a nearly 14,000-square-foot space with elegant, elaborate arrangements of flowers and plants in the atrium. The gardens are open throughout, providing visitors with a serene retreat amid the busy city.
- Operation hours: 24 hours
- Location: Inside the Bellagio hotel-casino at the intersection of Flamingo Road and the Las Vegas Strip
5 Visit Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Chocolate is everyone’s favorite, and a trip to Ethel M Chocolate Factory is an opportunity to see how this sweet treat is made. Visitors can enjoy a free, self-guided tour seeing machines and chocolatiers at work.
While here, one should also stroll the Botanical Cactus Garden, the largest in Nevada. The garden is more scenic in the holiday season as it is decked out in thousands of colorful twinkling lights during this time.
- Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr. Henderson, NV 89014
- Operation hours: Open daily
- Things to do: See how the chocolates are made, enjoy a free sample, and stroll through the cactus garden
4 Enjoy A Free Tram Ride On The Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is vast and can be tiring to walk. When walking becomes tiring, one can hop onto one of the free trams to rest their feet. Free pedestrian trains operate between Mandalay Bay and Excalibur, Bellagio and Aria, and Treasure Island and the Mirage, offering visitors a relaxing way to explore the city.
Routes
- Mandalay Bay to Excalibur
- Bellagio to Aria
- Treasure Island to Mirage
Visitors not ready to open their wallets should be keen not to hop onto the Las Vegas Monorail; the attraction costs $5 per ride.
3 Watch The Atlantis Fall Show
Caesars Palace is a famous casino and one of the top attractions in Vegas. Many people stop here before exploring the rest of the Las Vegas strip. For those looking for something free and exciting, the "Fall of Atlantis" lives up to the hype.
It is an animatronic show featuring fire, fountains, and nine-foot-tall talking statues. Visitors can also shop around.
- Time: Thursday to Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Location: The Forum Shops at Caesars
2 Visit Shelby Heritage Center
Those fascinated by the thrum of performance cars will enjoy free, self-guided tours at the Shelby Heritage Center. The museum celebrates the legacy of Caroll Shelby and the cars he designed.
Visitors get a chance to see more than 30 high-performance muscle cars, learn about the Caroll Shelby, gain insights into the history of automotive design and racing, and get an up-close view of the production facility.
- Address: 6405 Ensworth St, Las Vegas, NV 89119
- When to visit: Monday to Friday 9:30 am–5 pm, Saturday 9:30 am–5 pm, and Sunday 9:30 am–5 pm
1 Explore Hershey’s Chocolate World
No one visiting Vegas would want to miss this chocolate lover’s paradise. Inside the New York – New York hotel-casino, visitors can satisfy their sweet tooth and learn more about Hershey's Chocolate World. The 800 lb Statue of Liberty, designed from milk chocolate and candy, adds to the experience.
- Address: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Located in: New York-New York Hotel & Casino